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Post by sezzy5889 on Mar 28, 2006 12:33:18 GMT
Ok, as this question gets asked quite a bit i have decided to put this together so that if anyone asks again how to pack snails this link can be pasted and give the person a basic idea First of all you need a container with a lid, if the container doesn't already have holes then you must put some in yourself, this can be done with scissors or a knife, if the box is too hard to do this you may need to use a drill. Next you put some moss (more practical) into the container so that the snail placed inside can't be thrown around easily, also put a bit of food in for the journey. Next place the snail into the middle of the container. After putting some more moss into the container around the snail, place the lid on top and tape it down so it doesn't come open during delivery. This is optional, here i have placed the container into a polysteirene box for insulation and extra safety, if you want you can place the container straight into the cardboard box (as seen below). As you can see, even with the lid on there is still breathing holes, i have now tped the lid on securely. Next i have placed the box into a cardboard box, this is where i mentioned you have a choice of putting the container straight into this box. Next whether you have a polysteirene box or just the container in the cardboard box you must pack lots of insulation to prevent the box from moving around if the package is happened to be thrown or dropped while being delivered, this also provides extra warmth in the colder weather. Then you simply place the lid on and tape it up safely so it doesn't open during delivery, this box mustn't have holes in as so not to give it away during posting, the snail will be fine and you can wrap the box in bown paper to if you feel it will be safer :-) So i hope this helps a bit for all you people that aren't too sure Sarah x
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Post by CelticCraftress on Mar 28, 2006 13:59:13 GMT
Wow, excellent Sarah! This should be pinned or something, it's a great reference. ;D
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Post by caityaustralian on Apr 4, 2006 11:51:27 GMT
I still find it hard to beleive theyre comfortable or able to breath terribly well but i trust in you entirely as you seem experienced in such situations. Great job!
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Post by sezzy5889 on Apr 4, 2006 12:25:46 GMT
I have sent many snails out and all arrived safely, i don't think you can get more comfortable than that.
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Post by godrickthesnail on Apr 6, 2006 9:48:53 GMT
i dont think they would be very comfortable, i wouldn't liked to be shoved in a box full of moss and constricted from breathing properly myself, but i trust you. I dont quite like the idea of mail-order-snails though.
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Post by Paul on Apr 6, 2006 12:18:35 GMT
It was proven that a snail can survive in a box only a few times its size for quite a while. They don't have respiration requirements likes us. Also, snails like to dig themselves under soil so this is no different. If they are covered I imagine they feel quite safe.
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kimikofairy
Achatina achatina
My mind not only wonders sometimes it leaves completly :]
Posts: 56
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Post by kimikofairy on May 31, 2008 8:23:14 GMT
cool
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liz2
Archachatina marginata
Posts: 22
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Post by liz2 on Aug 24, 2009 14:03:57 GMT
I am sending 2 snails through the post I have everything apart from the moss, can I use ordinary compost they are used to? I can get some moss from somewhere if not! I want them to get there in one piece. Also do you have to damp the moss or the snails? thanks.
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kanin
Achatina immaculata
Posts: 263
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Post by kanin on Aug 24, 2009 22:01:46 GMT
moss is usually best in these cases as it lets through air easily and have good softening effects. The moss should also be dampened to provide moisture and water source for the snails.
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liz2
Archachatina marginata
Posts: 22
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Post by liz2 on Aug 25, 2009 10:51:12 GMT
thanks that does make more sense. I really dont want to post them but I am going to follow the details above to the letter.
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Post by siobhanc54 on Aug 25, 2009 15:40:31 GMT
how long do you think snails could survive in the postal system? of course when well packaged?
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kanin
Achatina immaculata
Posts: 263
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Post by kanin on Aug 25, 2009 22:49:40 GMT
That's hard to say. The longest postage times I've experienced where 8 and 11 days and the snails where fine in both cases. Theoreticly a mature snails could survive for months if it where hibernated during the journey. Of course it's impossible to control outer factors like temperature changes which could wake it during postage.
Estivation is however more stable than hibernation and perhaps could be used for longer postage times. I've had mediteranian snails sent to me in estivated state, totally around 30 snails and non of them had awakened during the time they spent in postage and all of them where fine after being awakened at arrival.
As snails are likely to estivate when food and humidity is lacking, I would guess a sturdy snail during a long postage time would estivate before dying. So when sent in awaken state and in good condition perhaps two or three weeks, maybe even longer.
I remember reading a post on the site some months ago about snails that had been left in a viv without any care at all for months that where alive when finally retrieved.
Just to clarify; I wouldnt recomend anyone to count on theese long postage times, I wouldnt want this to be interpreted as advice and cause any snail harm.
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Post by siobhanc54 on Aug 27, 2009 12:24:31 GMT
I wouldn't take it as advice, I posted one on monday and have been in contact with the person I posted to and it went missing arrived today lively and well so 3 full days in post so thought I would ask to check it would be ok was well packed and had food moist moss and lots of air holes, it's in it's new home after having a bath and a meal.
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liz2
Archachatina marginata
Posts: 22
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Post by liz2 on Aug 27, 2009 15:42:38 GMT
OMG I have just posted 2 of mine off to Cornwall. In nice moist moss like a little nest in the middle with lettuce and cucumber nice and damp. I packaged them really well but am not going to be happy until they arrive. i dont like doing it, never again methinks. Bye snails.
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Rachel
Archachatina puylaerti
They see me snailin'
Posts: 1,183
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Post by Rachel on Aug 27, 2009 17:24:15 GMT
It is always a worrying time waiting for snails to get to where they are going, but if they are packaged well they should be fine
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liz2
Archachatina marginata
Posts: 22
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Post by liz2 on Aug 27, 2009 17:26:54 GMT
thanks I must remember to count to 3 now when I check the babies not 5. Think I might keep the 3 although a friend wants one to put with an adult but she is going to have to wait until they are bigger I dont want them squashing!
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Post by sweetcorn on Aug 27, 2009 22:01:59 GMT
Very spooky......I've just joined this forum and am actually the lady that Siobhan sent the baby snail to that got delayed in the post ;D She's doing fine and was out of her container as soon as I opened the lid. She had a snooze this afternoon but is now busily munching on her food.
And hi Liz.....looking forward to getting my other babies from you tomorrow ;D I'm sure they'll be fine and I'll let you know as soon as they arrive!!
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Post by bloodhawk on Aug 28, 2009 21:32:37 GMT
i find that special delivery is best when recieveing snails through the post so you know when they should be coming less worry
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Post by IsisTheSnail on Nov 28, 2011 21:45:26 GMT
I'm guessing it's not a good idea to put "Snail" on the delivery form, so what would you write?
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Post by Greta on Nov 28, 2011 21:52:49 GMT
I would just write fragile that's what the owners of that snail wrote when they posted them to me and it's a good idea I wouldn't think writing live snail would make the postman/woman would be very happy lol...
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Post by IsisTheSnail on Nov 28, 2011 21:55:34 GMT
On the Canada Post site it says that all packages containing live cold-blooded animals must be marked with such... D:
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Post by Greta on Nov 28, 2011 22:00:29 GMT
Uh? Thats something... I wonder if they check each package but wouldn't think so that would take ages probably by some kind of a computer like the ones the airport
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Post by IsisTheSnail on Nov 28, 2011 22:16:58 GMT
I'm not sure if I should just lie and write something like "gift" on the form, or risk it and write what they ask to write. They don't seem to have a problem with shipping snails, as it uses snails as an example of accepted creatures.
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coyote
Archachatina papyracea
Cochleas ego amo
Posts: 2,955
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Post by coyote on Nov 29, 2011 10:40:47 GMT
I'm not sure how much leeway you'd have with that, within your national borders. For a customs form, though, you couldn't take any risks with the form and you'd have to state what was in there.
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mejulie
Archachatina marginata
Posts: 21
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Post by mejulie on Nov 30, 2011 0:06:49 GMT
i have had afew snails sent to be in the post, and afew of the people sending could definately benefit from reading this thread!! this is the perfect way as far as im concerned to receive a snail by post.
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